What a difference a year makes

One year ago, we were unpacking boxes in our new home. The third home in as many years, in a string of towns in which we have lived. For the most part, they’ve all been lovely places we chose because of the life we wanted to lead. We had to learn twice that ski towns, wonderful as they are, can be challenging for a family like ours. Therapists, treatments and safety in numbers (numbers of similar kids, that is) are all missing. The activities we want to do sit tantalizingly close but may as well be a million miles away given the challenges C can face in this arena.

The town we’re in now, however, was handpicked for C. A mere 15 minutes away from ready, willing and able grandparents; near big city services and doctors but still in a very small town; in a school district that seems to be moving forward in handling the special needs of children instead of backward; and in a state that graciously provides necessary therapies and respite care based on a child’s diagnosis and needs. We’re in a town that for once, isn’t a one hit wonder when it comes to Husband’s job; if he needs to leave his job for some reason, there are many others in his field from which he can choose.

A year ago, we were coming off a mostly disastrous school year, and we were anxious about what the upcoming year would bring. And while I am always a bit nervous for C at the start of a school year, for once the issues seem less about the big picture and more about the little details. Will he get elected to student council, something he desperately wants? Will he feel able to ride the bus this year or will he continue to want me to walk him into the playground and wait until the bell rings?

Sure, I know the big picture items are still there. Will he make any close friends? Will he grow a little bit and perhaps look more like the 7 1/2 year old he is instead of looking like a preschooler? Will his anxiety issues return? Yet for once, it’s nice to sweat the small stuff. As he heads off to 2nd grade tomorrow complete with a dream of a teacher, I am, for once, almost calm.

I shall wish alongside you for a friend for C and some growth and s student council election. Although – wow – student council in 2nd grade! Times have changed. A lot.

I know, it seemed weird to me too. I’m not sure about the whole voting thing at this age, but we had a long talk about being a good sport no matter what. He’s been sort of obsessed with student council since the end of last year, so we’ve had lots of opportunities to talk about it. I’m just hoping if he doesn’t get it, he’ll be able to make it home before breaking down!

Thanks, friend. I just got home from dropping him off. Only a slightly wobbly lip (unlike a teacher having to pull him off me last year!!), and some tears before we left about smelly bathrooms…we shall see how the rest of the week goes!

That’s awesome! It’s wonderful to be able to think about the little obstacles instead of feel overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable ones.
But seriously, what sadistic Nazi decided to start school in mid August?

Especially in Arizona! Either they should go all summer and have December through February off, or they should wait until September to start. It’s brutal. And they still have recess – even when it’s 113 degrees. Crazy.

He had a very nice day today. All went well, I am happy to report. Minimal tears this morning. Thank goodness!

Yay for a new school year! We don’t go back until Sept. 3rd. Still feels like ages away! (For me at least!)

K2 was on Student Council last year (2nd grade) she enjoyed it and had many a pizza party. I really struggle with all these school food feasts! It’s hard to stay on it and make sure the kiddos have something there for those days!

Cheers!
Jamie

See, that’s when school should start – September. I didn’t even think about the pizza parties. Yikes. It might be a good thing that pizza scares the poop out of him – lol!